1. Dismissals and centralized management

Subordination of anti-corruption bodies: In July 2025, Zelensky signed a law that transferred independent anti-corruption bodies (NABU and SAPO) under the control of the Prosecutor General's Office. This caused mass protests - the first since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. People expressed concerns about democracy and the country's European aspirations

Under pressure from protests and criticism from the EU, US and G7, the president proposed an alternative law restoring the independence of these institutions

Military legislation and elections: Since the introduction of martial law in 2022, elections at any level - presidential, parliamentary or local - have been postponed. According to the Constitution and laws of Ukraine, this is legal and justified by the conditions of war

2. Accusations of authoritarianism

Criticism of Klitschko: Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko accuses Zelensky of concentrating power and destroying democratic institutions, adding that "Ukraine smells of authoritarianism"

Sanctions through the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC): The National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) has begun to apply sanctions against opposition politicians, journalists and businessmen without a court decision. Human rights activists call this a mechanism of political pressure

Restrictions on the media: A criminal mechanism has been introduced to ban propaganda of the aggressor - anything that qualifies as justifying Russia's actions can be punished. Control over the media has also been strengthened, including live broadcasts, which has drawn criticism from international organizations for narrowing freedom of speech

3. What is the justification for the authorities?

The context of the war: The postponement of elections and the concentration of power are often justified by martial law. Experts and officials from the EU consider this a legitimate and necessary step in the conditions of war

Anti-oligarchic initiatives: Legislation on de-oligarchization is aimed at leveling the influence of large wealthy players on politics and the media. Although the idea is supported, critics believe that such an approach may resemble images created in autocratic countries

4. Balance or a slide into authoritarianism?

Aspect Signs of authoritarianism Justification
Anti-corruption reform Control over NABU/SAPO, sanctions mechanism Weakening of the independence of institutions
Elections Postponement of elections Martial law and security
Media and discourse Restrictions and regulation Law in wartime
Deoligarchization Purging the government of the influence of business elites Possible raider approach
Conclusion

It can be said that many of Zelensky's steps reflect the features of concentration of power. However, in war mode, such measures are often justified by the need for centralized governance of the state.
It is important that the public reaction - mass protests, criticism from civilized countries and attempts to repeal the adopted laws - shows that active civil control and democratic discourse are preserved in Ukraine.